All posts by z3u9t.icu

Can Celtic start to build some momentum?

Last Sunday, the Hoops, just about, beat Kilarmnock 2-1 at Rugby Park, awarded a very controversial penalty deep into injury time by referee John Beaton, duly dispatched by debutant Kelechi Ịheanachọ.

Coming up on Wednesday, Brendan Rodgers’ side will commence their Europa League campaign, having been ignominiously dumped out of the Champions League in the play-offs by Kairat.

The Celts will take on Crvena zvezda in Belgrade this week, with games against Braga, Sturm Graz, Midtjylland, Feyenoord, Roma, Bologna and Utrecht to come thereafter.

How will they do? Who knows! Probably not great, but we’ll see.

Following the late-August trolley dash to bolster attacking options, would Celtic have been better off simply keeping hold an “astonishing” attacker now impressing overseas?

What will Michel-Ange Balikwisha bring to Celtic

Having chased him for over a year, Michel-Ange Balikwisha finally joined Celtic for a reported fee of £5m at the end of August.

The Belgian was thrown in for his debut during the drab Old Firm just a few days later, before also starting last weekend’s trip to Ayrshire, albeit he was replaced shortly before the hour mark by James Forrest.

Thus, it is very early days, but the 24-year-old is yet to showcase the full extent of his talent.

Balikwisha is clearly a player of great potential, but the biggest concern Celtic supporters had following his arrival is his injury history.

Last season, he made just 18 appearances for Royal Antwerp due to a torn thigh muscle, having also had knee problems in the past.

So, while the jury firmly remains out on Balikwisha, an ex-Celtic attacker is helping his current side make history in another continent.

Former Celtic winger thriving in America

Liel Abada joined Celtic from Maccabi Petah Tikva in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of £3.6m, and he would go on to be an integral figure to Ange Postecoglou’s success in Glasgow.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

The winger scored 15 goals during his debut season at Parkhead, thereby named PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year, before adding a further 13 goals during the following campaign.

He memorably netted during 3-0 and 4-0 annihilations of Rangers in 2022, meaning his name will always be etched into club folklore.

However, after tensions between Israel and Palestine escalated in 2023, he reportedly no longer felt comfortable at the club, given the public displays of support for Palestine from sections of Celtic supporters.

Thus, in March 2024, following an elongated spell on the sidelines due to a thigh injury, Abada departed for MLS side Charlotte FC for around £10m, representing a decent profit.

Still only 23 years old, the winger has continued to impress in North Carolina, scoring 13 goals in 60 appearances for the club, part of an attacking unit that also contains Wilfried Zaha; bet you didn’t know he was there!

Last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Inter Miami was Charlotte’s ninth successive win in Major League Soccer, equaling the competition’s record, with Abada featuring in all but one of these wins.

The table below documents the Israeli international’s goal scoring record, when compared to that of current Celtic winger Balikwisha.

2025

6

5

2024

7

2

2023

5

14

2022

16

7

2021

19

8

Total

53

36

As the table documents, Abada has proven himself to be a far more reliable goal scorer over an extended period of time than Balikwisha, even if the Belgian has spent a large percentage of this period in the Antwerp treatment room.

At his best, Kieran Devlin of the Athletic described Abada as “astonishing”, noting that his “all-round game has improved dramatically” and he was, at the peak of his powers, simply “undroppable”.

According to Global Football Rankings, MLS is the 14th strongest league in the world, with the Scottish Premiership down in 27th.

Thus, still only 23 years old, he is proving his quality at a high level, and would unquestionably improve the current Celtic forward line.

Now worth 1291% more: Celtic sold a homegrown O'Riley who Rodgers loved

Celtic’s homegrown Matt O’Riley, who Brendan Rodgers was in “love” with, is now starring 7 years on.

Sep 19, 2025

Liverpool entered the 2024/25 season with a reputation to uphold.

Arne Slot’s debut campaign in charge could hardly have gone better, with the Reds claiming the Premier League title.

Yet this summer has brought significant change at Anfield, with a reshaped attack, a record-breaking midfield signing, and the arrival of a long-pursued striker.

The summer business was headline-grabbing.

Florian Wirtz joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m, briefly becoming the most expensive player in British football history before that record was broken weeks later by Alexander Isak’s £125m switch from Newcastle.

The squad was further bolstered by Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Geovani Leoni and Hugo Ekitike, while mainstays Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez departed.

Results at the start of the season have been strong – a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, a 3-2 victory at Newcastle, and a 1-0 triumph against Arsenal before the international break.

But behind the scenes, Slot still has questions to answer.

Wirtz's struggles at the start of the season

Signed from Leverkusen after interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Wirtz was expected to light up Anfield.

Instead, the playmaker has endured a difficult start, raising the possibility of tactical adjustments.

Starting all three league matches, he has yet to register a goal or an assist.

While he grew into the second half against Arsenal, critics have noted that his influence does not match the price tag.

This issue has also extended to international duty.

After Germany’s 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in World Cup qualifying, manager Julian Nagelsmann publicly questioned his players’ commitment.

Wirtz responded days later with a direct free-kick goal against Northern Ireland, showing flashes of quality that hint at his long-term potential.

But Liverpool fans are still waiting for that same spark in red.

His numbers underline the paradox. According to FBref, Wirtz ranked highly for creativity and progression last season: 5.02 progressive carries, 6.74 progressive passes, and 5.66 shot-creating actions per 90.

Yet those underlying metrics have not yet translated into output, leaving Slot with a conundrum.

Liverpool's Wirtz solution

This is where Dominik Szoboszlai enters the conversation.

Lauded by journalist Bence Bocsák as “Gerrard-esque,” the Hungarian has quietly been one of Liverpool’s most effective performers this term.

After being criticised by Slot for his part in Bournemouth’s opening goal on the first day, he responded emphatically.

A stunning 30-yard free-kick secured victory against Arsenal, while his stint at right-back in the raucous win at St James’ Park highlighted his versatility.

Szoboszlai has typically been deployed in defensive midfield or even wide to cover injuries, including Jeremie Frimpong’s absence.

But it could be argued that his natural home is in attacking midfield, the very role Wirtz is occupying.

With Alexis Mac Allister struggling for fitness, a space has opened up – and Szoboszlai has the credentials to fill it.

Statistically, Szoboszlai compares favourably in some key areas.

Matches Played

31

36

Goals

10

6

Assists

12

6

Progressive Carries

131

72

Progressive Passes

176

131

His pass completion rate of 84.3% dwarfs Wirtz’s 78.3%, while his pressing intensity and stamina have been widely praised.

He averages 4.73 progressive passes and 4.30 shot-creating actions per 90 – slightly behind Wirtz, but with greater efficiency.

His ability to contribute defensively adds another dimension to Slot’s midfield puzzle.

Wirtz still leads the way for goal involvements last season (22 to Szoboszlai’s 12), and his 198.1 progressive passing distance per 90 shows his ability to advance play.

But Szoboszlai’s adaptability may give him the edge in the short term, particularly in high-intensity fixtures where control and work rate are paramount.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The tactical question, then, is whether Liverpool persist with Wirtz to allow him to adapt, or whether Slot pivots towards a proven performer in Szoboszlai.

With Isak now leading the line and Mohamed Salah and Ekitike offering themselves from wide, creativity from midfield is vital.

Wirtz will almost certainly prove his value at Anfield over the long haul, but Szoboszlai offers a compelling case right now.

His pressing, ball progression, and leadership have been crucial to Liverpool’s perfect start, while his ability to step into Wirtz’s role could provide the spark needed in the months ahead.

As Slot weighs his options, Liverpool supporters may soon see the Hungarian restored to his preferred role – and if he continues to play as he has, the £116m signing could find himself fighting for minutes sooner than expected.

Liverpool have a prodigy who has the potential to hit Wirtz's price tag

Liverpool have enough quality to sustain a lengthy period of illustrious success.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 7, 2025

Liverpool won the Premier League last season, but Arne Slot doesn’t seem like one to rest on his laurels, and is set on making the forthcoming campaign one of an even more significant triumph.

While the Reds were incredible across the league term, they left plenty to be desired through the season’s offshoots, losing an FA Cup tie to Plymouth Argyle, who were ultimately relegated from the Championship, and falling against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final and eventual Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Not too shabby, all told. Premier League rivals Arsenal finished ten points behind Liverpool in second, after all. But there’s little question that Slot lacked depth, for the Dutch coach was hesitant in enforcing rotation to a fault, though this illustrates his frustrations regarding some of Anfield’s wider members of the first-team squad.

At the front of his issue was Darwin Nunez, who, as Liverpool’s star striker, only scored seven goals across all competitions, with Slot even stating he “can’t accept” the Uruguayan’s work-rate across a string of matches.

Though a move to Napoli fell through this week, FSG still expect to cash in on Nunez this summer, having already moved to sign his replacement.

Why Liverpool are signing Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool have stolen ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with the French forward having submitted a transfer request to push negotiations closer toward the finish line.

Ekitike is only 23, but he’s established himself as one of Europe’s top young forwards, with journalist Graeme Bailey even coining him “the next Mbappe” for his blend of pace, physicality and potency in the final third.

However, the dynamic talent wasn’t Liverpool’s first choice. That would be Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. However, FSG’s formal efforts to prise him away from St. James’ Park proved fruitless.

It’s a shame, but Ekitike’s arrival would cushion the blow and then some, for he has the makings of a truly world-class superstar.

With suitors in the Saudi Pro League eager to snap Nunez up in the coming weeks, Ekitike’s prospective arrival will be an elating thing, having notched 40 goal involvements across a season-and-a-half with Frankfurt.

His silky, fleet-footed movements and dogged approach in the final third have led FBref to record him as one of Isak’s most comparable players, so you can certainly see the vision.

And for a cheaper sum too. Isak would have cost upwards of £120m to bring over to Merseyside, and would that truly be tenable? With a central defender still required and maybe a winger too, perhaps not.

Though Isak would have been an incredible addition, Liverpool fans have already been bestowed one earth-shattering acquisition by the ambitious owners this summer.

And Florian Wirtz might even prove the cream of a crop that, hypothetically, contained Isak in a Liverpool shirt too.

Liverpool have already struck gold on Florian Wirtz

Wirtz doesn’t need to kick a ball in a competitive setting for Liverpool fans to know that Slot has struck gold with this signing, owing to the diligence and perseverance of sporting director Richard Hughes.

Wirtz, 22, joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £100m last month. If potential add-ons are met, this fee will stretch higher still and extend to £116m, past Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, the current record holder at £115m.

Despite his relative youth, the German midfielder has already established quite the résumé, having been awarded the Bundesliga Player of the Year for 2023/24, when Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen dethroned Bayern Munich as invincibles, previously rebounding with vigour from an ACL injury.

Last season yielded nothing on the trophy front, but Wirtz still maintained his world-class level, hailed as a “truly generational talent” by sports media professional Cristian Nyari, who believed the creative star was performing at a level higher even than Harry Kane in Germany’s top flight.

What about across Europe’s top five leagues? Well, as per FBref, Wirtz ranked among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers last season for goal involvements, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 7% for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

He’s a rather efficient playmaker, and with Liverpool having parted with Trent Alexander-Arnold, now Real Madrid property, it’s vital that Slot and co maintain the squad’s peerless creative levels. Wirtz has been picked as the man for that task, it appears.

24/25

Liverpool

112

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool & Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

You get the picture; Liverpool have signed a sensation. This marquee man’s ability is better defined, perhaps, through the lens of CIES Football Observatory’s player-valuing system.

Indeed, according to the renowned research site, Liverpool’s record signing is actually worth £150m, a stratospheric figure. Pundit Paul Robinson felt previously that this was an accurate figure when considering the player’s worth.

Isak, however, comes in at a ‘lowly’ £95m.

Of course, that is not a fair reflection of Isak’s value in the modern market, but it does serve to illustrate exactly how incredible a signing Liverpool have pulled off by signing Wirtz without breaking the British transfer record (yet).

Already, Liverpool fans have been gifted a glimpse into the playmaker’s winger footwork, seemingly fitting right in as pre-season preparations get underway.

Slot’s side is replete with high-level quality, and though Isak would have been a wonderful addition this summer, those of a Reds persuasion can take more than a measure of solace in having sealed a signing already, which may break the English transfer record.

In any case, given that Wirtz is considered to be the more valuable player, have Liverpool not hit the jackpot?

New Van Dijk: "Unreal" talent hands in transfer request to join Liverpool

Liverpool are making things happen in the summer transfer market.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 18, 2025

An “excellent footballer” could be “on his way” to West Ham United this summer, as he is now expected to leave his current club, reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed.

Major changes needed at the London Stadium

It is set to be a summer of change at the London Stadium, off the back of a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, with some long-serving players, such as Vladmir Coufal, Aaron Cresswell and Lukasz Fabianski needing to be replaced.

The trio have all been released upon the expiration of their contracts, and there could be some further departures, with the Hammers open to offers for Mohammed Kudus, while Lucas Paqueta has made it clear he wants to leave the club this summer.

Graham Potter may also be keen to inject some youth into his squad, given that his side were, on average, the second-oldest in the Premier League last season, behind only Fulham, and a new target has now been identified by recruitment chiefs.

West Ham now submit enquiry over deal for "phenomenal" £40m+ title-winner

The Hammers have made their first move to sign a midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Jun 29, 2025

That is according to Di Marzio, who recently told Tipsbladet that the Hammers have now set their sights on Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

The reporter said: “Mads Hermansen could be on his way to West Ham. The club really likes him and it could be a good opportunity for him.

“I don’t believe he will stay at Leicester. And I think West Ham would be the right option for him.”

The report goes on to state that Hermansen is contracted at the King Power Stadium until 2028, meaning Leicester are in a position to command a good fee for the £10k-a-week goalkeeper, although it is unclear how much they would be looking to receive.

"Excellent" Hermansen could be solid Fabianski replacement

It is clear that West Ham need to bring in a new option between the sticks, following the departure of long-serving goalkeeper Fabianski, and there are some signs the Leicester ace could be a solid signing, at least as a back-up for Alphonse Areola.

Despite Leicester enduring a dismal 2024-25 campaign, Ruud van Nistelrooy was left impressed by the Dane before the turn of the year, with the former Foxes boss saying: “He’s having a very good season overall. He makes a lot of saves, we’re trying to reduce that amount. Mads is all around. He’s a good shot-stopper, excellent footballer.”

Perhaps most notably, the 24-year-old also became the first goalkeeper to deny Chelsea star Cole Palmer from the penalty spot, producing a top save at Stamford Bridge back in March.

Given his age, Hermansen could be a solid long-term replacement for Fabianski, and some of the goalkeeper’s performances suggest he may be capable of pushing for a starting spot straight away, so it is promising news that West Ham have now entered the race for his signature,

The Premier League confirmed its fixture calendar for the 2025/2026 season this week with Arsenal set for an intriguing opening game against Man United, and there is little doubt sporting director Andrea Berta will be aiming to secure all of Mikel Arteta’s top summer transfer targets by that date.

Regarding links to some of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, United have been equally active in the transfer market, with both sides attempting to get a prolific centre-forward through the door after disappointing seasons.

Arsenal make contact to sign trophy-laden £400k-per-week ex-Man City star

He’d be quite the addition to Arteta’s dressing room.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025

Arsenal have been in talks with RB Leipzig over a deal for Benjamin Sesko for weeks, but as things stand, the Gunners are unwilling to match their demands of a transfer fee which could reach up to £85 million.

With Arsenal still yet to shake hands on a contract with the player’s representatives, plenty of work is still to be done if Berta wishes to strike a deal for the Slovenia international who’s eluded Arteta’s side since last summer.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Sesko rejected a proposal to join Arsenal this time last year and ex-interim sporting director Jason Ayto led a mission to tempt the 22-year-old with a move to the Emirates in January, only to be told that he wanted to see out the season with Leipzig (Ben Jacobs).

Amidst the Sesko saga, Arsenal are also trying to sign a new winger, but key target Nico Williams is now in talks to join Barcelona instead.

Arsenal planning to hijack Chelsea deal for Jamie Gittens

That is according to CaughtOffside, and given the Athletic Bilbao starlet is most likely to remain in La Liga with Barça, Arsenal are believed to be shifting their focus to Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.

The “new name” target, as described by this report, is emerging as a priority signing for the north Londoners and Arteta is apparently a real admirer. They’re currently taking “concrete steps” to swoop for Gittens and holding internal talks over a move for the Englishman, who Dortmund value at around £51 million.

Arsenal are said to be “serious” about signing Gittens and could move quickly, which comes as a real concern for Chelsea and Enzo Maresca.

The west Londoners had three bids rejected for the 20-year-old before the Club World Cup transfer deadline (Florian Plettenberg), with CaughtOffside reiterating that Gittens has already reached a long-term agreement on personal terms to join Chelsea.

Chelsea are widely expected to bid again for Gittens (Fabrizio Romano), but Arsenal appear to be posing a major threat in the race, so Maresca may now have a battle on his hands.

The Dortmund sensation, called an “incredible” one-v-one forward by Nuri Şahin, bagged 12 goals and five assists in 49 total appearances last campaign – with four of his strikes coming in the Champions League.

There has been a twist in Arsenal’s pursuit of an “extraordinary” £60m+ star, with a report revealing he would now prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of Old Trafford.

Starmer insists Arteta must sign new striker

There have been widespread calls for Mikel Arteta to sign a new striker for quite some time, and Keir Starmer has now weighed in with his thoughts on what the manager should set out to do in the summer transfer window.

The Prime Minister said: “I think one or two extra players, I would not go for widespread change, a striker. That is the one that leaps out and it has been for a little while now.

“It looks like we are shoring up midfield, so that is good and the back four is pretty good, perhaps a little bit more strength because of injuries, but it is that up front striker role we need. We need to add there.”

Not just Sesko: Arsenal in talks to sign £84m star who's like Nico Williams

Arsenal are looking to sign new forwards in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 8, 2025

There is certainly no shortage of options for the Gunners, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres thought to be among the main targets, and sporting director Andrea Berta has already held talks over a deal for the latter player.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Gyokeres wants to join Manchester United this summer, with the forward eyeing a reunion with former manager Ruben Amorim, but there has now been a twist in the saga.

According to a report from The Mirror, the Sporting CP striker would now prefer to move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of Old Trafford, and a move to the Premier League is thought to be of more interest than heading to Spain or Italy.

Should the Sweden international get his pick of the clubs, Arsenal would be first choice, with the Portuguese club ready to sanction a departure for a fee of just over £60m.

Gyokeres could be "extraordinary" signing for Arsenal

As previously mentioned, the 27-year-old is thought to be among the Gunners’ main targets this summer, alongside Sesko, and there are some signs the Sporting star could be the better option, given his superior goal return.

Sporting boss Rui Borges has, of course, been left very impressed by the Sweden international’s performances, saying: “There are no adjectives to describe Viktor. He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team.”

That said, while the Stockholm-born striker is by no means old, Sesko is five years his junior, and the Slovenian has proven himself in a tougher league, while also picking up a total of 21 goals and six assists in all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.

As such, Arsenal have a very difficult decision to make this summer, but it is promising news that Gyokeres would be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, despite the widespread interest from clubs across the continent.

Manchester United are set for a summer of significant changes and things are starting to take shape regarding one key issue that could alter the dynamics of their engine room.

Manchester United set for midfield overhaul

Becoming an early runner in the Red Devils’ quest to rejuvenate their midfield this summer, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been mentioned as an ambitious Old Trafford target following his return of 16 goal contributions last season.

Admittedly, there could be plenty of change on that front by the time Ruben Amorim leads his side out for the first time in the Premier League next term, and rumours are beginning to fly off the shelf regarding the scale of Manchester United’s rebuild.

Internally, talk surrounding Bruno Fernandes and a potential move to Al Hilal hasn’t been pleasant for supporters. Regardless, Amorim has a gut feeling his captain could stick around despite reports to the contrary.

While fans await a resolution, it is important to note that Fernandes isn’t the only midfielder who could leave Amorim short at an early stage in the transfer window.

Kobbie Mainoo could leave Manchester United for £70 million if appropriate interest arises for his services. Ultimately, selling fan favourites won’t be something the Red Devils want to do habitually, but everyone has their price and Mainoo’s sale would count as pure profit as the club looks to align with PSR guidelines.

Matheus Cunha has arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers, offering some excitement in a period where supporters could see several first-team regulars sold off to fund a long-overdue rebuild.

Bringing the average wage down will be a priority for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, making an exit for Casemiro an obvious solution at the Red Devils amid his £350,000 per week salary.

With all that said, there has now been a significant update on the engine room front that could make Manchester United’s thinking alot clearer when it comes to the level of work needed to alter their midfield, per recent developments.

Bruno Fernandes close to agreeing Manchester United exit

Taking to social media platform X, journalist and commentator Ben Jacobs has noted that Al Hilal now believe they are ‘close’ to finding an agreement with Fernandes but have told the United star he has just this week to decide.

The journalist explained: “Al-Hilal now believe an agreement with Bruno Fernandes is close after a week of positive meetings. Fernandes is currently deliberating with his family.

“A key factor in whether Fernandes agrees will be if the move is also right for his family. It will be more than just a football decision. Hilal want a final answer by Friday. No formal approach or bid yet to Manchester United, but Hilal’s belief is a sale will be sanctioned if Fernandes asks to leave. MUFC still insist they don’t want to sell their captain.”

£50m star who's "like Ryan Giggs" must not play for Man Utd again

This Manchester United star’s time is surely up at Old Trafford.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 2, 2025

Now deliberating with his family, the end of this week is believed to be the cut-off point where a decision will have to be made one way or another, creating a tense five days before a final outcome is met.

Becoming a modern-day icon at Old Trafford, Fernandes has registered 98 goals and 87 assists in 290 appearances for the Red Devils, winning an FA Cup and the Carabao Cup during his time in Manchester.

Nevertheless, he is now 31 and won’t have the luxury of being able to compete in European football next year, hence why reports suggest the Premier League giants could be tempted to sell for a fee that could reach £100 million.

Tough decisions need to be made to place Manchester United back at the top, and this one will weigh heavy on Amorim as he battles between raising funds to buy reinforcements and retaining key stars.

After watching on as Liverpool seemingly jumped ahead of them in the race to sign Florian Wirtz, Bayern Munich have reportedly turned their focus towards payback in the form of recruiting one particular Anfield star this summer.

Liverpool submit first Wirtz offer

Whilst it was Manchester City and Bayern who found themselves battling for Wirtz’s signature, it has been Liverpool who have grabbed hold of the headlines. Sending shockwaves through Europe, the Reds have stolen a march on their rivals and are reportedly set to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star in what could quite easily be the deal of the summer in all regards.

Having already lifted the Premier League in their first season under Arne Slot, it’s clear that those at Anfield mean business after deciding against splashing the cash last summer.

Alongside Wirtz, rumours have also indicated that Liverpool are pushing to sign the midfielder’s Leverkusen teammate, Jeremie Frimpong, to replace the Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.

Liverpool’s interest in Wirtz is a fairly open secret already and Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes had his say on the potential move earlier this week, telling reporters: “There is concrete interest from Liverpool, but there’s no more to say right now. Florian is our player.”

Ornstein: Liverpool set to make even more signings after £150m+ triple move

The Reds seem to have plenty of tricks up their sleeve…

1 BySean Markus Clifford May 26, 2025

Meanwhile, on Bayern Munich’s end, they’ve been left with no choice but to turn their attention elsewhere. And that could yet deal the Premier League champions a frustrating blow amid rumours that the German giants have set their sights on signing an Anfield star who Slot loves.

Bayern make contact to sign Cody Gakpo

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich have now made contact to sign Cody Gakpo. Club chief Max Eberl is reportedly a fan of the Dutchman and has now added him to a list of left-wing options which already includes Rafael Leao and Brighton’s Karou Mitoma.

What’s more, given that they’re set to welcome Wirtz this summer, Liverpool and FSG are open to selling Gakpo if the right offer arrives. Whether Slot would approve such an exit is the big question. Gakpo has been a man transformed under his countryman, scoring 18 goals in all competitions and claiming a spot in Liverpool’s front three as a result.

Slot hasn’t hesitated to praise the former PSV man, either. He told reporters when asked about his winger earlier in the season: “In the second half of last season Cody scored a lot of goals so he’s been a good player for Liverpool for a long time now. He continues doing that and that’s a good thing. For me, he is a regular starter.”

Also dubbed “excellent” by former Liverpool and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole back in October, Gakpo is not someone that Liverpool should be keen to lose in the coming months.

Chelsea’s desire to sign a new defender this summer is no secret. After conceding 57 goals across all competitions this term, it is clear another centre-back or two is needed.

Much will depend on just how much money Enzo Maresca has to spend when the transfer window opens.

A few players might be sold in order to balance the books, although if the club achieves Champions League qualification, Maresca will need to strengthen his side.

Several defenders have already been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, although one has chosen Real Madrid instead…

Chelsea targeting defenders in the transfer window

Dean Huijsen was a name on the list of targets for Chelsea, but defender ended up joining Real Madrid, who activated the £50m release clause that was in his Bournemouth contract.

The Blues must move on, and they have already earmarked an ideal alternative to the Spaniard. Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is the latest name linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Hato, who is currently valued at £42m, only turned 19 in March and has the advantage of being able to play either at centre-back or on the left side of the defence.

The chance to play Champions League football with the Blues could give them a boost in their pursuit and he would make for an interesting signing.

Despite showing interest in both of these young, talented defenders, Maresca has someone in his squad who came through the Cobham academy and is valued higher than Hato and Huijsen; Levi Colwill.

Why Chelsea have struck gold on Levi Colwill

Colwill may have had to wait until the 2023/24 season to make his debut for Chelsea after a number of loan spells, but he has been a regular ever since.

Under Maresca, the Englishman has played 36 times in all competitions, even breaking through to earn three caps for England.

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Accurate passes per 90

38.2

67

Clean sheets

4

9

Total duels won per 90

5

4.5

Tackles per 90

2.1

1.4

Possession lost per 90

10

8.9

Colwill has missed just three Premier League games this season for the Blues and, throughout the campaign, he has won 56% of his total duels per match, kept nine clean sheets and recovered 3.5 balls per game in the top flight.

Furthermore, when compared to his peers in the division, Colwill ranks impressively, notably sitting in the top 12% for passes completed (67.32) per 90, along with ranking in the top 32% for aerials won (2.32) per 90 for Chelsea.

He is still only 22, meaning he could be a cornerstone for the club over the next few years. Indeed, his performances have even seen his value rise exponentially with some reports noting last year that the club now value him at a whopping £100m.

This means he is worth even more than both Hato and Huijsen put together, signifying just how impressive a player Maresca has on his hands.

His performances were praised during a loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion during the 2022/23 campaign, with talent scout Jacek Kulig claiming he was a “world-class talent”.

If he continues on this upwards trajectory, Colwill could become one of the best players for the Blues over the coming years, and they have certainly struck gold on him.

Chelsea readying huge £70m bid to sign their new version of Mason Mount

Chelsea are reportedly ready to pay the release clause for a star who could be Mason Mount 2.0.

ByDan Emery May 19, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly added a marquee new transfer target to his list of potential signings this summer, with preparations beginning for what is expected to be an active window.

Arsenal scheduling talks as clock ticks towards summer window

2024/2025 is about to draw to a close, and following the end of their previously hopeful Champions League campaign, full attention is beginning to turn towards the off-season.

Arsenal move with "formal" offer to £50m player as Real Madrid stall

The Gunners have get in there first.

ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

Arsenal lost out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by a seismic distance, thanks largely to key-player injuries and an inability to put teams away, with Mikel Arteta’s side registering 13 draws in the top flight so far, which is more than any other side in the top nine.

The Gunners did knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League in statement fashion, dismantling Carlo Ancelotti’s side 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, but competition favourites PSG put an end to their European dream in the next round.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

It is now back to the drawing board for Arteta and Berta in preparation for 25/26, with a transfer overhaul anticipated at the Emirates this summer.

Arsenal could spend up to £300 million on seven major signings across the squad (GiveMeSport). It is also believed they’re targeting a new second-choice goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, right-winger, left-winger and striker among their recruitment priorities (GiveMeSport).

Arteta’s left side of attack will be a key area to watch, as reports suggest Gabriel Martinelli could be sold by Arsenal in the event of a suitable offer arriving (The Athletic).

Leandro Trossard’s deal also expires in 2026, and with no sign of a renewal so far, Arsenal will be planning for life without the Belgium international if they decide not to extend his stay.

Berta adds Milan star Rafael Leao to Arsenal target list

According to Calciomercato and Italian transfer journalist Daniele Longo, Portugal international Rafael Leao is now emerging as a possible Arsenal solution.

The 25-year-old has been a star player for the Rossoneri over the last few seasons, chalking up 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this term, with his form turning heads at N5.

It is claimed that new director Berta has personally added Leao to Arsenal’s transfer target list ahead of the summer window, but he could be a pretty expensive option.

His contract contains a €175m (£148m) release clause, which will be active from July 5 to July 15 (Foot Mercato). However, it is unlikely Arsenal would be willing to pay this, and may well look to whittle this down to a far more acceptable and doable fee.

Longo reports that the lowest offer Milan would entertain is around €100m (£85m), which still comes as a pretty significant outlay and would make Leao one of Arsenal’s most expensive ever signings.

A potential deal for the Sporting academy graduate is therefore set to be an ambitious one, and with Chelsea also in contention for Leao, Arsenal face a serious battle on their hands if they wish to tempt him to north London.